Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

AKWESASNE – Phyllis A. Terrance, 77, of 378 State Route 37, unexpectedly passed away early Saturday morning, January 26, 2019 at her home.

Phyllis was born May 5, 1941 in Kana:takon, the daughter of the late William V. and Phoebe (LaFrance) Francis. On September 27, 1958, she married Richard C. Terrance at St. Regis Catholic Church with Rev. Michael Jacobs, SJ, officiating. He predeceased her on December 1, 2006.

Phyllis was a Mohawk language teacher at School #19 in Buffalo for many years. She was a communicant of St. Regis Catholic Church and enjoyed sewing, playing bingo and visiting the casino.

She is survived by her children, Debra A. Terrance of Tonawanda; Richard A. Terrance of Akwesasne; William F. and Dana Terrance of East Amherst; Charles Terrance of Tonawanda; and Derwin and Sandy Terrance of East Amherst; 13 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; her sisters, Martha LaFrance and Patricia and Harvey Boots, all of Akwesasne; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and her parents, Phyllis was preceded in death by a daughter, Danielle N. Terrance on August 5, 2013; her sister, Linda Tessier on November 20, 2016; and her brothers, William V. Francis on January 25, 2009, and Stanley P. Francis, Sr. on July 2, 2011.

Friends called at the Donaldson Funeral Home on Tuesday and Wednesday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, January 31, at 2:00 PM at St. Regis Catholic Church with Rev. Jerome Pastores celebrating. Burial will be held in the spring in St. Joseph's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Akwesasne Freedom School Building Fund.

Memories and condolences may be shared online at http://www.donaldsonfh.com.